The city of Birmingham's Division of Youth Services is taking donations of items for children of Hurricane Gustav evacuees staying at Boutwell Auditorium, the Alabama State Fairgrounds, the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center and other shelters.

April Odom, a spokeswoman for Mayor Larry Langford's office, said the DYS donations will go to help children without multiple sets of clothes and shoes, or those wanting toys. An estimated 700 refugees are already at Boutwell Auditorium, DYS Executive Director Cedric Sparks said.

If anyone wants to make a donation, items can be dropped off at the DYS offices at 808 18th St. North, next to municipal court. Staff will be there until 8 p.m. tonight and Monday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accept donations. For more information, call Sparks at 492-9793.